Download N Go Review~~Chocolate Challenge

This review was anticipated by our chocolate lover Hannah!!  Although we are technically "done" with school this year, we learn all year long!!  That is what I love most about Download N Go.  These studies can be used as a stand alone study or as a extra in your home.  I think these are great for any family...not just homeschoolers.  This is a great way to combat the "I'm bored" things that come from kids after about 2 weeks of summer vacation.

Click HERE to purchase Chocolate Challenge.

Here is a sneak peek of the pages you get with this study.  There are pages you can print for the children to do through out the study.  You will also love the many links of videos, extra activities to accompany your study.  Although, these studies are made for ages K-4 we have used them for months with our children that are older.  They have a more active roll in their learning.  They go through the studies day by day and learn how to do independent study.  Then I have our children "teach" me the lesson. 

The week looked something like this:

Day 1: Chocolate-What is it?

Day 2: Chocolate-The Story

Day 3: Chocolate-The Types of Chocolate

Day 5: Chocolate-Have a Chocolate Party!

With this study we traveled to South America, learned fractions, how to say chocolate in different languages, learned about all the different "chocolatiers", how chocolate bars are made (we hope to visit Hershey PA very soon!!) and sampled different types of chocolate.  Since I do not like chocolate I skipped this activity.  Yes it's true I do not like chocolate...LOL!

This is what other reviewers have to say about this study:

Download N Go Review~~Mother's Day

Mother's Day is a day that most everyone looks forward to.   Your either the Mom looking forward to your special day, or spending time with your Mother.  I have to admit I was a bit "worried" about this study.  I am sure many other reviewers felt the same way....I mean Mom teaching your kids about Mother's Day. 

We actually had a really great week with this one.  I have mentioned this many times but our children are older than what the scope is for these studies.  But let me be the first to tell you...our children love these studies. 

Our week looked something like this...

Day 1: What Is Mother's Day
Day 2: The History of Mother's Day
Day 3: Celebrating Mother's Day
Day 4: Preparations for Mother's Day
Day 5: Goodies for Mother's Day

One of my favorites was the pictures of me the children had to draw.  I cherish these pictures because I know there will come a day when they believe they are too "old" for this.  Each day there was a Bible Mom of the day.  Our children looked forward to these each day.  We spent most of our time on these.

We still have many of the crafts to finish up but the kids sat a long time making these.  I gave them the basic materials and away they went.  I'm not allowed to "peek" at them.  :-)  This was a very special time I spent with my kids going over this study.  During the second day we talked about Scotland,  I think this year I would like a Scottish Mother's Day dinner of cottage pie, and rhubarb crumble.  YUM!  Hint hint my dear husband!!

To see what other reviewers are saying click below....

Download N Go Review~~Expedition Israel

**Thank you Amanda Bennett and Download N Go for sending us this study free in exchange for my honest review.**

Are you ready for another Download N Go adventure?  This time we are off to Israel!  We have always wanted to visit this country.  What better way to visit than from the comforts of your own home.  With Download N Go you can do just that, as well as many other fun activities.  Our week looked something like this:

Day 1: Where on Earth Is Israel?
              Day 2: Some of the Special Places in Israel

Day 3: A Bit of History
Day 4: Cool Things to Know About Israel
Day 5: Fun and Games in Israel

You can also take a peek HERE at what you would get should you purchase this unit study.  For only $7.95 you can visit Israel.  What better time of the year to learn about Israel than the upcoming Resurrection Sunday.

We started off by looking on our map of where on Earth Israel was.  It really is pretty difficult to just pick out.  The kids had to really look hard at our map to see it.  It also puts into perspective exactly where much of the Bible took place.  We watched a video called "Walking the Bible".  It gave us a great perspective on what it looks like now.  Although much of what was shown was from the Old Testament, but anyway a great documentary.  Today we also learned what our Hebrew names were....mine for example was Menucha.  I like it!! 

Each day we learned about a different food from Israel.  We also learned that their overall diet was much healthier than ours.  Still today it is.

We also learned about different animals that are in Israel.  From Camels to ICK ICK cobras!  I have to say I let the kids explore the latter on their own.  I'm getting hives just typing the name.  :0)  Especailly since they have been in the news a lot lately because of the escape of one from the Bronx Zoo.

I love Download N Go because of the indepth study in Scripture that is found.  It's not just a verse here and there, but really and honestly making it a part of the study.    This was an amazing week.  Who says education can't be fun?  This week was full of fun family activites.  We just finished our week with a "blackout" and reading of scripture.  How uplifting it was to sit there with the glow of candles (with music from Israel playing in the background) just reading God's word. 

Do not take my word for it see what my other review team members are saying....

Download N Go Review~~Kite Capers

This study was given to me by Download N Go in exchange for my honest review.

Nothing says spring time like kids running through the field flying kites.  Our children love to fly kites.  I remember getting a kite each year growing up.  We had a great week learning about all things kites.  But not only that we had a week full of all things wind, weather and Wright!

Our week went something like this:

Day 1: What Is a Kite?

We learned about all the different types of kites.  Who knew there were so many?  I certainly didn't.  Did you know NASA uses them?  We talked about all the different ways the Bible mentioned wind.  We located over 20 verses in the Bible that talked about wind.  I know there are more, but what a fun journey through Scripture that was.

Day 2: The History of Kites

 Today we learned where the kite was invented.  We made our own mini kites (someday I'll remember to take pictures). We read some really interesting books on kites in China.  Now they make some really beautiful kites.

Day 3: Kite People and Places
Today we went over Ben Franklin and Alexander Graham Bell.  There was much more to today's study but we got a little hung up on them.  That's what I love about Download N Go.  It's not imperative you do everyday all the way through.  Do what works for your family.

Day 4: Science Secrets of Kites
The day we've been waiting for SCIENCE day!!  We learned what wind was.  Which fit in perfect because it was a very windy day today.  We also learned about clouds.  We got many books from the library about clouds and weather.  This has become Hannah's favorite subject recently.  She is reading all the books she can about weather.

We made an Anemometer!! (again I'm sorry there were no pictures!) It looked something like this.

I got this picture from a website.

 
Day 5: Goodies and Gadgets of Kites
Today we learned how to say "kite" in 4 different languages.  Did you know there is a national kite month?  Neither did we....until now.  We were going to wrap up our week with some cute kite cupcakes...but I've been sick and we never got to it.  We will do it!!

Download n Go is available for $7.95 from the website.  These units are so educational.  You can stick to the day to day or spread them out like we tend to do.  They are a great stand alone study or and addition to your current curriculum.

To see what other reviewers are saying see below.



Download N Go~~ Hoppin' Popcorn

**Thank you Amanda Bennett and Download N Go for giving me this unit to review.**

Who doesn't love popcorn??  I know we go through a lot of it here.  This study taught us things we didn't know before.  Love that!!

Here is what our week looked like:

Day 1: Popcorn—What Is It?

Day 2: The Story of Popcorn
Day 3: The Flavors of Popcorn
Day 4: The Science of Popcorn
Day 5: Fun With Popcorn

Honestly....we had no idea we were living in a state that was considered a part of the corn belt.  We knew that New York state grows a lot of corn, but not a part of "the" belt!  The neat things you learn while doing Download N Go. 

I'm kind of a simple person.  We eat popcorn the same way each time we make it...with butter and salt.  Until this study.  We are now not "afraid" of putting flavor into our popcorn.  Nacho popcorn anyone?  Nachos are something I've missed since trying to adapt a more healthy lifestyle.  Who would of thought of adding the flavors to popcorn?? Download N Go that's who!  One flavor we did not try yet is the peanut butter...has anyone tried this? 

We had the pleasure of visiting a local farm last year that grows popcorn.  I couldn't find the pictures but if I'm able I'll post them.  It was a lot of fun.  Our children have decided to grow popcorn this year in their gardens.  Yea!!

The science of popcorn was SO interesting.  Do you know why popcorn pops?  Well if not you will have to go and get Hoppin' Popcorn to find out.  Trust me that is just ONE of many things you will learn with this.

Here's a peak inside the unit.

See what other Download N Go Reviewers are saying about Hoppin' Popcorn.

Download N Go review~~George Washington

Just in time for his birthday we were able to review George Washington this week!   He is one of our favorite historical people.  Our week looked like this:

Day 1: Who Was George Washington?
Day 2: People and Places in George Washington's Life
Day 3: The Accomplishments of George Washington
Day 4: Lessons to Learn From George Washington
Day 5: Remembering George Washington

Who knew that you would be learning fractions while studying George Washington!  That is what I love about Download N Go....your kids are learning all types of things centered around a topic.  I've said this before, but Download N Go are made with children in grades K-4 in mind.  But I have been using these as a spring board and add more to fit the needs of our family.  So do not let the ages keep you from using Download N Go with  your older children.  I let the children pick a day, they then research the information for that day.  They are then the teacher of the day!  It really is great.  Gets the older children working on their leadership skills.

A peek at what you get in the ebook:

The best quote we came across from this week is:

"It is impossible to rightly govern a nation without God and the Bible." George Washington 

If only our nation would come back to God AND the Bible.  Don't get me started on that one!!  Anyway...To date this has been our favorite unit.  Do you want to read more about what other review team members have been saying?  Go HERE to see them.

Download N Go has several bundles greatly discounted this month!

Mom's Favorites Fun Pack (Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, Chocolate Challenge and
Pizza Party)...regularly $28, on sale for $14
Seasons Fun Pack (Winter Wonders, Spring Surprises, Summer Sensations, and
Autumn Treasures)...regularly $28, on sale for $14
19 DNG Fun Pack....19 DNG titles, including Birthday Bonanza...use coupon code
19DNG20Off for 20% off the regular price of $120.

We also have an awesome Giveaway. Check out the details here:
http://downloadngo.blogspot.com/2011/02/february-specials-and-fun-4-mom.html

Up for grabs is a $75 gift card for www.amazon.com OR a yummy Gift Basket worth almost $100!

Download N Go~~Magnificent Moon

Our week looked something like this:

Day 1: What Exactly Is a Moon?
Day 2: Getting to Know the Moon
Day 3: The Story of the Moon
Day 4: Science Secrets of the Moon
Day 5: Cool Things About the Moon

This study came at a perfect time...since we had just had an eclipse.  It was fresh in the children's minds.  They were very eager to learn all about the moon.  We went right to the source of where the moon came from...Genesis 1!  Although the kids have read this a lot this year it can never be too much. 

I absolutely love the picture at the end of Day 1 with Genesis 1:14-15 on it.  I have printed it and put it on our wall.  It's a great reminder of God's power.

We pretended to be astronauts and what it would be like to be in space.  Andrew mentioned something I had not really thought about before....he compared the astronauts suits to a firefighters suit.  Both made to help keep the person safe.  Download N Go units are great for just that very thing...getting children to think outside the box.  Not just learn about something but experience it. 

Although Download N Go is designed for children in grades K-4 we find they fit very well into our family.  Our children are in grades 5, 7 and 10, but our 2 oldest have learning disabilities.  Download N Go builds your children's confidence in learning.  Our oldest has struggled in school all her life.  But with Download N Go she is able to sit down and do some self guided learning.  She has also taught her brother and sister.  I love the confidence it gives her with education.  Thank you Download N Go!!

For added fun, Magnificent Moon can be purchased as a part of our Cabin Fever Fun Pack.  Other titles in this bundle include: Winter Wonders, Expedition Canada, and Hoppin' Popcorn.  The regular price for this bundle is $28, but it can be yours for just $20 through 1/31/11!

But wait!  There's more...I've always wanted to say that.  Check the Download N Go blog on January 23 for an announcement about our awesome giveaway of two National Geographic Moon Maps! 

Thank you to Amanda Bennett and Download N Go for providing me this study to use free in exchange for my honest review.  If you are looking for a unit study to add to your school day Download N Go is just what you've been looking for. 

Hop on over to see what other review team members are saying.  The blog tour participants are listed below.

Download N Go~~Winter Wonders

The description below was taken from Download N Go website:

Do your children ever wonder about winter?

Have you heard any of these questions as days grow colder and winter sets in?

"Mom, where do the animals go in the winter?"

"Dad, how do those icicles get on the house like that?"

"Grandma, where did hot chocolate come from?"

Day 1: What is Winter?
Day 2: Science Secrets of Winter
Day 3: People and Places of Winter
Day 4: Time for Tips and Treasures of Winter
Day 5: Goodies and Gadgets of Winter

No longer is the coldest season just a winter wonderland—use Winter Wonders and warm up to an educational exploration!

An acrostic, a booklet of frostbite signs, a great Iditarod flipbook, a wheel of winter animals, creative instructions for hot chocolate, bird feeders, winter fun, and more will all end up in a memorable lapbook by the end of the week.

Since we are in the middle of winter here this was a perfect fit for our family.  Since we have always lived in an area where there is alot of snow we really enjoy it....as long as we have no where to go!

We started off with an experiment on the difference between the temperature in our home and then outside of our home.  I had the kids get bundled up, and go outside.  I shut the door and said, "Stay out there until I call you back in."  You should of seen their faces...LOL!   Then I had them come back inside and compair being out side to being inside.

Of course....all work and no play would be NO fun!!

We made our own snow!! Not that we need anymore of it.  This was a very fun experiment.  We also started a weather journal, we kept track of weather for the rest of the week.  That was quite interesting for the kids.  I'm thinking about keeping this up for the remainder of the year.  But you know the best thing is Download N Go does all the review work for you.  I did not have to come up with a form for them to use.

We watched a video on dog sled teams.  This was especially touching for me since we had an Alaskan malamute dog when I was a kid who was killed tragically.  I really miss that dog!!  We also watched a few shows on the television on dog sled teams that just happened to be on one night.  SO interesting.  I wish I could remember what and where they were so I could share them with you.

We took a walk outdoors looking for animal tracks, we did not have to go far before finding deer tracks.  We even were able to track where our cat has gone.  The kids had fun doing that.

Here is a sneak peak at some...and I mean some of the pages you will get with this study.

Download N Go is such a great way to study a certain topic.  AND all the work is done for you!!

See what other review team members are saying....HERE!

Download N Go~~Creation Camouflage

It's time for the Download N Go review!  This week we did Creation Camouflage.  The first thing our "hunter in training" said....OH boy as he ran to get his camouflage on.  When I explained to him it was a study of how animals camouflage themselves he proceeded to tell me, "I bet you can't find me in the woods." 

 I must admit I did not find him...LOL!  OK onto the study.

Here is a little of what our week looked like:

Day 1: Hiding in Plain Sight
Day 2: Getting to Know the Rain Forest
Day 3: What Is in the Desert?
Day 4: Hiding in the Ocean
Day 5: Cool Things About the Tundra

Each day had an animal of the day.  The kids were thrilled to learn about the walking stick bug.  Since this summer we found one hitching a ride on our car.

These bugs really amaze me.  And to think God created it!  He created animals to be able to hide from predators.  It might be speed to get away, color, or markings on their bodies to keep them from danger.

We watched a polar bear cam from the San Diego Zoo that was very interesting.  We left it on most of the day to be able to see what the bears were doing.  They are a lot like children at times.

We learned about the polar regions...since we are in quite a deep freeze here in NY we could relate to what we learned.  All we had to do is step out our door and experience everything we learned.  AHHH how refreshing.

This was such a fun study.  Just not sure I enjoyed learning about the reptiles {{shiver}}.  That is why I love homeschooling so much and Download N Go....the whole family gets in on doing these unit studies.  They continue long after the schooling day is done.  We talked around the supper table about all we have learned.

To purchase this go HERE.  The study is only $7.95...where else can you get a weeks worth of curriculum at this price?  Everything is done for you...just add a few books from the library if you want.  Here is a sneak peak of some of the pages.

To see what some of the other reviewers have said go on over the the Download N Go review blog.

Download N Go~~Ben Franklin

In this house history is a favorite!!  If you have been reading my blog for any length of time you know we do a lot around here with history.  This week we were able to go back in time to learn about one of our nation's Founding Fathers.....Ben Franklin. 

Did you know that Ben was not a math scholar?!  My children were THRILLED to learn this.  Did you also know that Ben came from a family with 17 children?  These are little tidbits of information never taught about this man.  How about this...Ben was left handed.  Our oldest daughter said, "HEY I'm left handed and I hate math...maybe I'll be a famous inventor someday!" 

This past fall we were able to see a printing press, much like the one Ben Franklin worked on.

We even thought he looked a little like a young Ben!

A Ben Franklin fact that is near and dear to my heart is that he started the first Fire Department in 1736!

You can learn all this and more with the Ben Franklin DNG. 

As an added bonus, Ben Franklin is also this week’s DNG Special.  You can purchase this fascinating study for just $6.25, until November 22.

You can also see what other bloggers from the DNG review team have to say about Ben!  Give your kids the gift of history for Christmas!

**I was given this study free in exchange for my honest review.  All opinions are mine!**

Download N Go~~Expedition Australia

Have you ever wanted to go to another country to visit?  Well grab a cup of coffee because with Download N Go unit studies you can do just that...without all the travel AND cost associated with traveling now a days.  We did just that this week with our Expedition Australia!

Here is a little glimpse of what our week looked like:

DAY 1 Where on Earth is Australia?

DAY 2 Some of the special places in Australia.

DAY 3 A bit of Australian history.

DAY 4 Cool things to know about Australia.

DAY 5 Fun and Games in Australia

Each day we studied a different animal located in Australia.  Some of them are adorable like the Koala and others not so cute!!  Our children were flipping through the channels on TV this week and 3 times they came across shows talking about Australia!  Two of them were hunting shows that our son loves to watch.  Another spot we found interesting was Dining Downunder.  We found this on the Internet.  Our children were amazed that much of their food is a lot like what we eat now.  It just has different names a yabbie is much like a small lobster.  Another favorite website we found that we liked was Unique Australian Animals.

Here is little peak of what you will get with Download N Go.

All of the study comes in an ebook format.  It is all internet connected so really all you do is download and go...thus the name!!  You can choose to print the worksheets OR do what I do since my children are older than the age range....I have them write everything out in a notebook.  Oh we still have a lot of fun with it.  We still do some of the mini books to put in a scrapbook.  We get a lot of books out of the library.  SO just because something says ages ?-? don't think it's not for you!!  Everything is done for you.  So with notebooks in hand our children began watching the videos, again and again...did I say again. 

Here's a little added bonus for you.....

Get Expedition Australia for $5.95 through Nov 8.  And be sure to enter the contest to win a laminated Australia (country) Political Map from National Geographic, a $19.99 value!

This unit study was given to me in exchange for my honest review!  To see what other families say about Download N Go visit the DNG blog.

NEXT up from Download N Go is Ben Franklin!!  WOOHOO!  We are a history loving family and have been looking forward to this one!

Download N Go Review~~Terrific Tigers

It's time for another Download N Go review!  This time it's Terrific Tigers.  This was a great unit study...I'll let you in on a little secret....They are ALL great unit studies!

Our week looked something like this:

Day 1: What Is a Tiger?
Day 2: Getting to Know Tigers
Day 3: Where Are the Tigers?
Day 4: The Science of Tigers
Day 5: Cool Things About Tigers

Here is a sneak peak at some of the pages you get in this ebook.



Who knew there were so many different breeds of tigers!  We enjoyed researching all the different breeds.  The pictures within the study are so vibrant and colorful.  Our children enjoyed looking at them and putting the things we learned in their scrapbooks.

To celebrate the end of our week we are going to be making these...

To see other reviews of this study go over to the Download N Go blog.

I have been given the OK to give a way a copy of Terrific Tigers!!  Just leave a comment on this post and tell me what your favorite Download N Go unit study is.  Also, please leave me your email address as well, I will need it to notify you if you've won.  No jumping through hoops!  I'll draw the winner next Friday, October 29.  I do allow anonymous comments just leave your name and email address.

BUT this give a way is open to only those NOT connected with The Old Schoolhouse in any way shape or form!  Sorry! 

Download N Go Review~~Rocking Robots

The next study up on our review schedule was Rocking Robots!  The first thing I heard from our son was FINALLY a unit study I can really get into!!

Our daughter's also really enjoyed this study.  One of their favorite movies is The Iron Giant...so of course they were excited because they knew we would be able to watch this movie at the end of the week.

We learned about everything from the first robot to robots that work in space and in the ocean.  There were amazing video clips as well as books to read.  What more could we ask for?

Here's a sneak peak of what you will get with this amazing unit study.

Rocking Robots can be purchased for $7.95 at the Download N Go site. Go on over and see what other review team members have written on the Download N Go blog.

This unit study was given to me in exchange for my honest review.

Download N Go Review~~Autumn Treasure

AH yes the changing leaves, crisp cool nights, cool days....my favorite time of the year!  Apples, pumpkins and more.   The next study given to us to try out was Autumn Treasures.  This was so far my favorite study. 

Here is a little of what our week looked like!

Day 1: What is Autumn?
Day 2: Science Secrets of Autumn
Day 3: People and Places of Autumn
Day 4: Time for Tips and Treasures of Autumn
Day 5: Goodies and Gadgets of Autumn

Leaves are changing!  I love this....we drove around to check out the leaves.

God is an amazing artist!!

Apples anyone?!  We saw apple cider being made, apple pies being baked, and tried wonderful homemade doughnuts!  No wonder autumn is our favorite time of the year!!

Full moon!  This was taken last year but still fit into this study!

Autumn has the BEST sunrises!  Go on over to Download N Go and have an autumn journey much like we had.  No matter where you live!  All the links are right there for you.  Here is alittle sample of what you'll get with the unit study.



It's a Autumnal Equinox Special.....

NOW through September 24.  Autumn Treasures is on sale, 20% off!! 

**This unit study was provided to us by Download N Go for review.**



Download N Go~~ Pizza Party Review AND Give a way!!

I HAVE A WINNER!!!! It is: RyleeandNoah's Mom, You have until 9/17 to contact me to claim your prize.  If I do not hear from her I will pick another winner.

ryleeandnoahsmom said...

I'm a pepperoni girl. If I feel "crazy", I'll add green peppers, onions and banana peppers : )

September 7, 2010 12:04 PM

This was such a fun study!  I mean who doesn't like pizza in some shape?  Our week looked something like this:

Day 1: Pizza—What Is It?

Day 2: The Story of Pizza

Day 3: Types of Pizza

Day 4: The Science of Pizza

Day 5: Let’s Have a Pizza Party

Each day was filled with fun pizza related facts, from the history of pizza to five historical figures we learned about each day. 

The above picture is a small view of what you get.  I love all the pictures through out the ebook with quotes and bible verses on them.  I printed them to hang in our kitchen. 

Everyday this week we had some form of pizza! 

Monday~~Pita Pizza

Tuesday~~Pizza Enchiladas

**sorry I forgot to take a picture of the finished product**

Wednesday~~Taco Pizza

Thursday~~Impossible Pizza Pie! (insert Italian accent) picture came from BettyCrocker.com

Friday~~Pizza Party!!  We ordered a pizza from our local pizza shop!  YUM!

Saturday~~Pizza Soup

This was a great study!  I'm not sure we will be having pizza again for a long time but we had so much fun.  Friday night we watched a couple of shows from the Travel Channel about Italy.  We enjoy Samantha Brown travel shows.

This weekend, on Saturday and Pizza Party will be on sale for $5. 

Sunday, Download N Go is having a $5 Pizza Party special.

You can purchase this amazing study for yourself!  OR see below on how you can enter to win a copy!

Now for the give a way!!

I have been offered the chance to give one of my lucky readers a their own copy of Pizza Party!!  Trust me when I say you and your family will SO enjoy this study.  Even if you do not homeschool enter for a chance to win this PDF file!  So it is open to anyone!

The give a way will be open until September 10.  I will draw a name (actually Random.org) on September 11.

This is how you can enter:

(1) Leave me a comment telling me your favorite pizza topping or recipe.  I LOVE recipes!!

(2) For an extra entry go to Download N Go and tell me what study sounds interesting to you...trust me it will be difficult.

Visit the Download N Go blog for more give a ways and reviews.

**This unit study was given to me free of charge in exchange for my honest review.**